The Datsuns‘ sixth album is a compact but intense affair, cramming a lot of rock into its 34 minutes and 10 tracks. ‘Deep Sleep’ continues in the style of their previous albums, mining a vein of ’60s and ’70s-inspired classic rock, with all the wailing solos and raucous choruses that we’ve come to expect. There’s a definite Black Sabbath influence at times (particularly on the opening to 500 Eyes), though the songs that lean towards that kind of drone are offset by faster, thrashier tracks like Shaky Mirrors and That’s What You Get, which have an energy that reminds me of their first album. Looking Glass Lies, the one track recorded in France also sticks out, both in its frantic tempo and fun intensity.

The line up is the same as it was on the last couple of albums with Dolf de Borst on vocals, bass and keys, Ben Cole drums, Christian Livingstone on guitars, bass and keys, and Philip Somervell doing his signature thing with the guitar. ‘Deep Sleep’ was produced by the band, mixed mostly by Jordan Stone at Roundhead Studios, and mastered by Steve Smart at Studio 301 in Sydney. The overall tone seems a touch less punchy than some of their earlier releases, but this isn’t necessarily a criticism. The Datsuns have enough of a range (both in style and level of aggression) that the softer parts of the album still hold your attention. Not the best introduction for those new to The Datsuns, if you’re a fan then this one will feel familiar – satisfying but with few surprises.